Blood In, Blood Out (1993)

Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on step-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo.

Director:

Taylor Hackford

Writers:

Ross Thomas (story), Jimmy Santiago Baca (screenplay)

Stars:

Damian Chapa, Jesse Borrego, Benjamin Bratt

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Damian Chapa	...	Miklo
Jesse Borrego	...	Cruz
Benjamin Bratt	...	Paco
Enrique Castillo	...	Montana
Victor Rivers	...	Magic Mike
Delroy Lindo	...	Bonafide
Tom Towles	...	Red Ryder
Carlos Carrasco	...	Popeye
Teddy Wilson	...	Wallace
Raymond Cruz	...	Chuey
Valente Rodriguez	...	Frankie
Lanny Flaherty	...	Big Al
Billy Bob Thornton	...	Lightning
Geoffrey Rivas	...	Carlos
Karmin Murcelo	...	Dolores

Storyline

Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on step-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo. It opens in 1972, as the three are members of an East L.A. gang known as the "Vatos Locos", and the story focuses on how a violent crime and the influence of narcotics alter their lives. Miklo is incarcerated and sent to San Quentin, where he makes a "home" for himself. Cruz becomes an exceptional artist, but a heroin addiction overcomes him with tragic results. Paco becomes a cop and an enemy to his "carnal", Miklo.

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Plot Keywords:

mexican | barrio | gang war | 1980s | 1970s | 

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Taglines:

From the Director of An Officer And A Gentleman and the Producer of La Bamba.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence and language, and for sexuality and drug content

Did You Know?

Trivia

Edward James Olmos was originally considered to direct this film, but he decided to turn it down because he wanted to focus more on the reality of American Me (1992).

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Goofs

When their rival gang is jumping Cruzito, and they drop him on the fire hydrant, the fire hydrant bends.

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Quotes

Coolaide: That's the punk from the Alley.
[Talking to Spider referring to Miklo]
Miklo Velka: Hey Spider?
Spider: [Spills his drink off his mouth] Vato Loco must be a medication to come here.
Miklo Velka: ¡You cut my carnal, i'm here to jack you off, puto!
[Starts to hit the fence with a hockey stick]

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Crazy Credits

"The bloody era of prison gang warfare, which characterized much of California's prison system during the decade depicted in this film, is now under control."

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Alternate Versions

UK theatrical release was edited to secure a 18 rating and removed shots of a butterfly knife being twirled. For the video release further 21 sec. were removed. Director's cut runs ca. 10 min. longer.

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Connections

References Putty Tat Trouble (1951)

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Soundtracks

Low Rider
Written by Jerry Goldstein, Lonnie Jordan, Howard E. Scott (as Howard Scott),
Lee Oskar, Harold R. Brown, Papa Dee Allen, Charles Miller and B.B. Dickerson
Performed by War
Courtesy of Far Out Music
By Arrangement with Sounds of Film

User Reviews

Interesting watch

I've seen this movie a couple of times and its got its good points and its bad. It's an interesting story, though generally, it perpetuates the "East L.A. gang member" stereotype. However, it also addresses something I haven't seen before in a movie of this type, and something that was perfectly illustrated (unintentionally) by some of the unfavorable reviews posted here. I'm referring to the character of Miklos, and how stereotypes within his own community about "what is Latin" contribute to the person he becomes. There have been a few reviewers here who feel that the character of Miklos was not believable as Latino, as he was "too" white looking. As I understand, that was exactly the point. He was always having to prove himself as 'more latin than thou' because of his fair skin. Somehow being 'more latin than thou' became akin to being a hardest of the hard gang member. I think that was the most compelling idea out of the movie because that sort of thing happens quite often. Many Latinos subscribe to the stereotype that "all latinos are a sort of medium brown". Forgetting that "Latino" is not a race. It refers to ethnicity. You can be of any race and still be Latino. Those who don't fit into the stereotype of appearance sometimes try to find another way to 'be more Latin', and become susceptible to other, more insidious stereotypes. I've known my fair share of blue eyed blond "Miklos" who felt compelled to prove their "Latin-ness" by being a thug. So despite what has to be a record usage of the word "ese", I found this movie a worthy viewing due to the addressing of this topic.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish Arabic

Release Date:

30 April 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Blood In, Blood Out

Filming Locations:

St. Mary's Catholic Church - 400 South Chicago Street, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,002,548, 2 May 1993

Gross USA:

$4,496,583

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,496,583

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Pictures, Touchwood Pacific Partners 1, Vato De Atole Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

180 min 190 min (director's cut) 330 min (original cut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1